Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre is a 2,750-seat state-of-the-art performance venue in Cobb County that has become a focal point for big-name productions. “The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre is a regional asset to the county, because we bring in visitors from across the Southeast who purchase tickets, book hotel stays, eat in our restaurants, spend money on gas and otherwise contribute to our economy,” says Michael Taormina, managing director of the facility. “The vision 21 years ago, when construction began on the Cobb Galleria Centre, was to create a multi-use facility that would include a world-class performing arts theater. Opened eight years ago, CEPAC has become one of the top venues in the region.”

The campus’ convenient location at the convergence of Interstates 285 and 75 provides easy access from north Georgia and the contiguous states of Alabama, Tennessee and the Carolinas. Built at a cost of $145 million, CEPAC is owned and operated by the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority, which also governs the Cobb Galleria Centre and Galleria Specialty Shops. “Our seating capacity of 2,750 puts us between Symphony Hall with 1,700 and The Fox Theatre, which can seat 4,000, so we’re a sweet spot and the perfect niche for many productions,” Taormina says. “We’re always updating our technology so that we can attract top productions.”

Last year, 250 events from national and international touring shows to performances by the center’s three resident companies — Atlanta Ballet, The Atlanta Opera and ArtsBridge — drew nearly 275,000 people to the Cumberland area. CEPAC hosts the annual Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards, numerous educational field trips, public and private events. Coupled with the figures from the Galleria Centre, the two venues generated more than $147 million, including $7.7 million in sales, income, hotel/motel and liquor-by-the-drink taxes and the local option sales tax and created nearly 1,400 jobs, according to the authority’s 2014 annual report.

By far, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre produces the most significant impact on Cobb of any other venues in the county. With the arrival of the Atlanta Braves in 2017 and additional construction for lodging, shopping and dining, the Cumberland area will be even more of a destination for tourism and visitation.